John Kennedy
Head Coach & Co-Founder
BJJ — 3rd Degree Black Belt
Awarded his black belt in 2011 by Rick Young, becoming one of the first BJJ black belts in Scotland. 30 years in grappling and almost 40 in martial arts overall — kung fu, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, JKD, Kali, MMA and submission wrestling. Two decades of teaching experience and qualifications in health, nutrition and fitness from 15 years running a health cafe and supplements store.
Craig Ali
Head Coach & Co-Founder
BJJ — 1st Degree Black Belt
Received his black belt from Rick Young in 2017 after 18+ years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling, with a background in boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing and JKD. 25+ years in health and fitness, with certifications as a CHEK exercise coach, mindfulness facilitator, MMA strength coach and kettlebell coach.
Clive
Senior Coach
BJJ — Black Belt
Over 17 years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, awarded his Black Belt by Professor Rick Young in 2023. Started with boxing at 17 during military service before moving into BJJ competition and now Judo. Holds a Sports Science degree, a Master's in Sports Performance Enhancement and UKSCA Strength and Conditioning accreditation.
Shaun
Coach
BJJ — Brown Belt
Came to martial arts after rugby in his teens. Fought MMA at 19 before training and fighting at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand under Ray Elbe, then moved to Australia under black belt Diogo Consoni. Trained in Rio under coral belt Leao Texeria. Now coaches at Prana and Prime 8 and assists with the competition team.
Matt
Judo Coach
Judo — 2nd Degree Black Belt · BJJ — Blue Belt
Started judo at 11, achieved his 1st degree at 16 and is now a 2nd degree black belt. Selected for the Scottish team and a competitor at Scottish and British championships. Experienced coach for all ages and levels, integrating judo with BJJ and wrestling in the standup curriculum.
Michael
Junior Coach
BJJ — Blue Belt
Dedicated martial artist training since the age of 14. Assists coaches across adult and junior classes, trains Jiu-Jitsu six days a week and studies health and fitness at Edinburgh College. Patient, committed and a favourite of the younger members.
Rio
Junior Coach
BJJ — White Belt
Training in martial arts since the age of 5 at Rick Young's Black Belt Academy and a competitive dancer. Assists in coaching juniors with a natural ability to engage children of all ages.